3/25/2011

The last couple of decades have been very exciting in the field of interior design. It seems there were no defined trends. Decor styles varied. From the ethereal minimalist to the clutter of the collector, from the impeccable purist to the eclectic who mixes the old with the modern, and from the earthy of natural materials to the cool, metallic of the Style Industriel. Certainly for some, the most surprising, was the latter.

Printers chest from Valencia, Spain 1900's

Heavy metal riveted work table

Who would have thought that suddenly, the seemingly cold mechanic tables and other abandoned hardware would be "adorning" million dollar homes? Undoubtedly, the conversion of old factories and industrial buildings into the trendy lofts of the 80's and 90's called for a style of home decor apt for this new way of casual yet elegant way of living. Industrial carts that morphed into coffee and dining tables, old, warehouse windows transformed into beautiful decorative mirrors, storage bins turned into beautiful plant containers, factory lamps that suddenly looked perfect over a dining table, and yes, the magnificent clock faces that hung over train stations and business buildings. Suddenly, owners of old abandoned factories and industrial buildings discovered that seemingly obsolete items that were destined to be trashed or recycled as scrap metal, were valuable artifacts that for some would reach the level of the sublime.

Printers chest found in South France, late 1800's

Metal warehouse lights from 1940's Belgian warehouse

Great tall iron table found in Maroilles, France

At first, you would see the wrinkled noses and shaking heads of a few, denying its potential, and yet little by little, details of Le Style Industriel made their way into the fanciest and classiest of magazines and into the hearts of designers, decorators and home decor aficionados. Restoration Hardware has certainly laughed all the way from abandoned factories and mines, to the drafting table and off to the bank. Now there's no turning back. Le Style Industriel will not be a fad. Certainly it will not retain its level of attraction for some, but elements of the fortitude and bravado of this particular style shall remain as a constant design ingredient for many.

Church clock taken down from church in north France

Heavy metal crates turning in side tables

The classic Jielde lamps, France 1940's

Metal post office sorting dest, great to get your own mail organized,

found in Avignon, France

Set your own time, Metal Church clock from North France, late 1800's

Tolix chair, you got to have them, the most sought item on markets in France

3/12/2011

Country sides, pictures villages, old facades and small businesses, I pass them all along the way to markets and antique fairs. I make a quick stop to eat something in a bistro or cafe or just a baguette with some local ham from the Charcuterie. In the summer time when Trinidad is here we can sit on a bench in the village park or on a blanket off the road. In the villages or towns i make a tour through the center to see if there are any antique or brocante shops, that one item brings home a story of France. In the future I will take my camera more often with me so I can share this beauty with you all.

3/02/2011

19th century garden urns found south west of Paris, on table from Avignon, France

Pots D'Anduze, Greek amphoras, French urns of all shapes and sizes... ...metal crates, wooden boxes... Whether you use them as planters, as an accent or convert them into a lamp or table base, they will always enhance the beauty of your home or garden.

In our collection of artifacts and items of old, we always make sure to select beautiful urns and planters.

19th century garden at a friends garden in Belgium

Planter boxes with buxus trees in Pezenas, south France

Something about the ornamental classic urns, a touch of the ancient world reflected in a rusty metal urn that reveals different colors and patinas.

Concrete and stone urns with cracks and imperfections in the old Greek and Roman style.

19th century Cast iron urns found south west of Paris

Old concrete garden urn at our warehouse in Belgium

Playful and inventive ways to use unusual recycled items like metal industrial bins, cans, and wash tubs to plant vegetables or ornamentals or to be used as whimsical organizing and storing receptacles.

Planters and arrangements that add drama and mystery to a garden, porch, or Orangerie...

Simple galvanized buckets that become elegant when planted with a dwarf olive tree or fragrant French lavender...

19th century Greek Amphoras we bring from Europe

Greek amphoras by themselves by a pool or in a patio or planted with a palm, an olive tree or a dwarf lemon tree....

Pots D'Anduze do not need adornment, they are amazingly austere and yet incredibly classy and elegant by themselves.

About us

Atelier de Campagne was created by the concerted efforts of Trinidad Castro and Johan de Meulenaere. When they first met about 15 years ago, they discovered that among their affinities, they both had a love for antiques and unique object d’art.
Trinidad had a background in Art and Johan had a degree in Interior and Furniture Design. Years later, when Johan returned to his native Belgium, they decided to venture together and create an antique import business. Johan as the creative force in Europe, hunts for and gathers the one-of-a-kind mirrors, chandeliers, and pieces of furniture that they are known for, and also creates new treasures by “marrying” elements from old pieces of furniture with other artifacts, recycled wood, etc.
Trinidad on this side of the Atlantic busied himself developing the business and building the clientele by participating in major gift shows, antique fairs, and tending to their store-front. In the summer they both travel through France selecting beauties to bring to the U.S.